Christine @Rations2R_n_R (C). Thank you for talking to us Ella. We would be pleased to learn about Ella Vine; the woman behind Ella Vine Lingerie, and your background.

Ella @EllaVineBrand (E). I am a three times Polish junior chess champion. I arrived in the UK at the age of 22, straight after graduating at university in Poland in social care and political sciences. I arrived alone, with just one bag and poor English, knew nobody and my first job was a care assistant role for a minimum wage in a mental health care home. I am a 32 year old mother now and almost all my adult life I have been tirelessly working in the charity sector because I like to help people. Within just a few years I have been able to achieve a lot: from setting up and running charities, community organisations and political campaigns. I helped thousands of people and families and have even stood as a candidate in local elections twice in Thurrock, Essex, where I live.

(C). Please tell our readers about the innovative poppy stockings and poppy suspenders’, how they differ from ‘traditional’ stockings and suspenders, and is there a specific reason that led to you developing your unique products.

(E). The Ella Vine Lingerie brand started because I was able to turn my medical condition into an entrepreneurial idea.

I have to wear medical compression hosiery following a thrombosis after an accident in the past. I have been struggling ever since with attaching medical stockings to a suspender belt as it was difficult, took a long time and involved some uncomfortable and awkward bending. I have been thinking every time I was attaching it that it is the 21st century and that the lingerie giants should come up with something better. So finally I invented poppy suspenders that attach easily and quickly to poppy stockings via simple poppers. I wanted to help not only myself, but also other women. I own design rights for the poppy products and sell them to various retailers. That’s how Ella Vine brand was born.

(C). For how long has Ella Vine Lingerie been in business and do you have a particular achievement so far of which you are especially proud?

(E). The Ella Vine online store has been open since May 2017. Since then I have a few stockists, who stock the products, and a few more will do so in the New Year. They range from online and brick & mortar lingerie shops, adult stores, and also Scarlett & Jo, British top plus size brand for women. Every little thing has been a great achievement – everything forms the bigger picture so it is difficult to outline just one or two. I am happy with every achievement small or big, because all of them bring the company closer to the aim – to make poppy suspenders and poppy stockings mainstream and easily available to all everywhere, in every lingerie store.

(C). You supported a charity fundraiser for M.E. and fibromyalgia in Andover on 20th October. Please tell our readers about your support for these causes.

(E). I had M.E. and fibromyalgia myself and I have been working for a fibromyalgia charity for over 4.5 years. This is a cause close to my heart. I know a lot about these conditions and I know many people who are affected by them. I will always be happy to support this cause.

(C). Stockings have had somewhat of a resurgence in recent years. I would love to hear your thoughts as to why this is.

(E). Stockings became more fashionable, they come in many styles, colours, sizes etc. I welcome that they became more popular – it is great! I think we all love the look of stockings and prefer them to the look of tights!

(C). Are there future plans for Ella Vine Lingerie that you are able to share with us?

(E). Yes, there is one main aim – to make poppy suspenders and poppy stockings mainstream and widely accessible to everyone, available in every lingerie and underwear store worldwide. Once the aim is achieved, I will relax!

(C). What advice would you give to women looking to set up in business?

(E). I love a sentence from Alice in Wonderland: “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe in it”. Believe in yourself. You can achieve anything you want. You can be anyone you want. If you want to do something, just go for it! And always, absolutely always, listen to your intuition.

(C). Where can Ella Vine Lingerie products be found other than on your website?

(E). You can try on our poppy products in Swindon and in Southend on Sea. Pop in to Provocative Pleasures in Swindon and to the Mistress Boutique in Southend. You can find them online in Scarlett & Jo store and in Pleasure Attic store. They soon will be available from a few other outlets.

(C). Do you ship internationally?

(E). Yes, we do. We have customers from all over the world. The most popular countries after the UK are the U.S., Canada, Australia, the Republic of Ireland and many European countries. The only way is poppy!

We are honoured that you have found the time to chat with us Ella. We wish you well in the future with your endeavours. Ella Vine Lingerie’s website may be found at https://ellavine.co.uk/ .

Welcome to today’s vintage style fashion pick and one in which I have chosen a selection of stockings; some of which I have featured before, although this is the first time that I have shown an entire range in one place.

From http://www.whatkatiedid.com; ideal to add a dose of chic to ones outfit this party season, and worn by myself today whilst Christmas shopping…

@Rations2R_n_R neither owns the copyright to the images nor much of the written content included herein. We use our blog to showcase retro and vintage fashion and, where we can, credit the copyright owner of any content by way of a link to their website. Please email rations2rocknroll@outlook.com if you are the owner of any content included and would like us to either change or remove anything that we post.

Giada also rightly suggests that stockings should be accompanied by the right foundations.

Although there are many online retailers; where one is able to procure vintage style lingerie, bricks and mortar boutiques are virtually non-existent…with ‘What Katie Did’ and their London and Burbank, California boutiques being the most notable exception.

However all lingerie of a certain quality; even that of a contemporary style, is far from inexpensive.

Stockings are able to provide that desired vintage feel at a comparatively ‘reasonable’ cost; not forgetting that a suspender belt, girdle or similar undergarment will also be required.

“@Rations2R_n_R has a love of vintage style fashion and favours stockings as part of our retro ensemble. Stockings have had somewhat of a renaissance in recent years. We would love to hear your thoughts as to why this is.

@HeelsToesInc. Stockings are the epitome of sexy. They offer an alluring glimpse into our past and today’s manufacturers have created such a comfortable product that women can now enjoy both comfort and sexiness, all at once. For many, stockings are the most alluring of lingerie products. The glimpse of the stocking top and the thought of what lies underneath, drives men crazy and allows women to feel sexy. They are a classy way to add something special to any outfit.”

To be truly authentic stockings should be seamed and made of nylon; such as from www.whatkatiedid.com (link below *).

Seamed Stockings Nutmeg Black Glamour H2053 with a contrasting point heel and seam, and wide, comfortable welt. Sheer 15 denier, made from a blend of stretch nylon and elastane for ease of fit. Made in Italy. Priced at £10.00.

“@Rations2R_n_R. Stockings have made a resurgence over the past few years. How do their sales compare to hold-ups and tights?

@EssexeeLegs. I would say stockings are preferred, this season, over hold ups, which I am delighted about. Tights will always be in front, but stockings are selling very well.”

Many of our vintage style sisters regularly compliment their outfit with seamed stockings; adding glamour and sophistication, and empowering the wearer. Join us and step out in vintage style this party season.

@Rations2R_n_R neither owns the copyright to the images nor much of the written content included herein. We use our blog to showcase retro and vintage fashion and, where we can, credit the copyright owner of any content by way of a link to their website. Please email rations2rocknroll@outlook.com if you are the owner of any content included and would like us to either change or remove anything that we post.

Welcome to our latest blog post collaboration in which we have the pleasure to connect with Anne Tyler from Essex’ee Legs; an online retailer of tights, stockings, leggings, socks and more to suit all styles and budgets.

Thank you Anne. We very much appreciate that you have taken the time to chat with @Rations2R_n_R.

Christine @Rations2R_n_R (C). Our readers would like to know a little about the woman/women responsible for Essex’ee Legs.

Anne @EssexeeLegs (A). My name is Anne, and I am a mother and grandmother, from Brentwood, Essex. I enjoy my family life, and am quite private. I have a passion for fashion, and love social media. My daughter works with me, at Essex’ee Legs.

(C). Please tell us about the inspiration that led to Essex’ee Legs.

(A). Having worked in social research for a very long time, and then running a local community website; I had dreamed about starting an online shop for years. I always felt there was a lack of choice, of hosiery, on the high street, as the items could not be presented very well. I decided hosiery was perfect for selling online, as the images sell the items, perfectly. I decided I would mainly sell items that could not be found on the high street.

(C). How long have you been in business?

(A). We began in 2011.

(C). It would be interesting to learn about your enthusiasm for hosiery.

(A). I am enthusiastic about hosiery all the time, and probably a bit of a bore 😉 . The styles out there, today, are amazing. I am always on the look out for that something that is unique, and also love the classics. I encourage customers to email me if they can’t find what they are looking for, and this sends me on a mission to find styles for them.

(C). Stockings have made a resurgence over the past few years. How do their sales compare to hold-ups and tights?

(A). I would say stockings are preferred, this season, over hold ups, which I am delighted about. Tights will always be in front, but stockings are selling very well.
(C). We would like to hear about particular challenges that you may have faced as a woman in business.

(A). Everyday is a learning curve, which we thrive on. A couple of years in I was desperate to start my own brand, and hit many brick walls, as I could not find a manufacturer in the UK. I had given up all hope of starting our own branded items, then in 2014 I made a contact with a company who manufacture and source hosiery from all over the world, and the Essex’ee Legs brand was launched.
(C). It would be interesting to know the reasons that you stock the brands that you do.

(A). I stock many brands, and like to try and add new ones, each year. I like to stock high quality premium brands, plus build my own brand.
(C). Are there women; either historical or contemporary, that have been an inspiration?

(A). The list is too long. I love to see and share images, on social media, of past actresses and models in hosiery e.g. Twiggy, Blondie, Marilyn Monroe, and equally am glad to see celebrities today enjoying wearing hosiery.
(C). Where can Essex’ee Legs be found on Social Media?

@Rations2R_n_R neither owns the copyright to the images nor much of the written content included herein. We use our blog to showcase retro and vintage fashion and, where we can, credit the copyright owner of any content by way of a link to their website. Please email rations2rocknroll@outlook.com if you are the owner of any content included and would like us to either change or remove anything that we post.

“Lady Voluptuous” Estella Dress designed by Georgina Horne from http://www.fullerfigurefullerbust.comfeaturing a full 1950s style flared skirt, with a cross-over bust and small capped sleeves. There is a concealed zip fastening at the side. The dresses are true 1950s length (measuring approximately 45.5 inches from shoulder to hem in a Size 16). Priced at £50.00.

@Rations2R_n_R neither owns the copyright to the images nor much of the written content included herein. We use our blog to showcase retro and vintage fashion and, where we can, credit the copyright owner of any content by way of a link to their website. Please email rations2rocknroll@outlook.com if you are the owner of any content included and would like us to either change or remove anything that we post.

With the length of each day rapidly decreasing as we head towards the Autumn equinox thoughts turn to hosiery; and for lovers of vintage style fashion, to stockings.

I am blessed to possess many sets of beautiful matching lingerie. However unless one procures ones lingerie from a specialist vintage style retailer; such as What Katie Did (www.whatkatiedid.com), suspender belts are usually of the four-strap variety…with many only suitable for the boudoir.

Personally I prefer my suspender belts to have a little more ‘substance’ and to feature either six or eight straps.

Stockings HQ new Classic 6-strap lace front suspender belt featuring stretch satin side panels, a lace front panel, a bow at the top of every strap, triple hook and eye fastening at the back and 2cm wide straps with metal adjusters and metal clasps. Available in white and black. Priced at £29.50.

Stockings HQ new Classic 8-strap lace front suspender belt; like the 6-strap version, featuring stretch satin side panels, a lace front panel, a bow at the top of every strap, triple hook and eye fastening at the back and 2cm wide straps with metal adjusters and metal clasps. Available in white and black. Priced at £33.50.

I think it is fair to say that many of us gals like our opaque hosiery.

@Rations2R_n_R neither owns the copyright to the images nor much of the written content included herein. We use our blog to showcase retro and vintage fashion and, where we can, credit the copyright owner of any content by way of a link to their website. Please email rations2rocknroll@outlook.com if you are the owner of any content included and would like us to either change or remove anything that we post.